Women and Body Image | Orlando Women’s Therapist Weighs In
At Groundwork Counseling, or women’s counselor finds that for some women, a poor body image can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. If worrying about your appearance is making you feel anxious and depressed, a counselor that focuses on, and specializes in women’s issues can work with you to develop a plan to help you feel better and become more confident.
Summer is here. School is nearly out and for many of us, it’s time to take our vacations, go to barbeques and attend summer weddings. We’ve shed our concealing winter clothing and wear shorts, sleeveless tops and sundresses to survive the sweltering heat. Our legs, arms and more are on constant, full display. Summer time also means that it’s time for the beach, the pool and bathing suits. For many women, the thought of exposing a possibly less than perfect body to family and friends can result in harmful self-criticism and negative self-talk. Women may berate themselves for not going on a crash diet or doing a juice cleanse or starting an exercise routine. In addition, media messages and a lifetime of comparing one’s self to thinner, fitter friends and celebrities with perfect figures can cause many women to feel inadequate and unhappy when it comes to her body. It’s no surprise that many women suffer from depression and anxiety that is related to negative body image.
Sometimes a change in perspective coupled with a sensible action plan can help to change a woman’s self-criticism and negative body image toward a healthier, more positive view of herself. The strategies listed below may be helpful.
How To Help Negative Body Image
- Vow to give up negative self-talk
- Praise your body for all the wonderful things it can do
- Eat healthy, clean food
- Spend time with positive people who appreciate you for you
- Learn to accept compliments
- Set realistic fitness goals
- Enhance your best features
- Pamper yourself
- Spend time outdoors
When an individual seeks women’s therapy because they are depressed or anxious due to their perception of their appearance, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) therapists aim to instill in their clients the concept of unconditional self-acceptance. This concept helps women to accept their strengths and accomplishments as well as their weaknesses and shortcomings whether they are physical, social or mental. This does not mean that unconditional acceptance means resigning one’s self to what is. Instead, it promotes taking productive action. When a woman learns to accept herself unconditionally, her emotions become healthier and her behavior can become constructive. This summer, vow to be constructive and do things that positively affect your mood and sense of self. If you have trouble enjoying your summer activities due to a sense of poor body image, counseling can help – At Groundwork Counseling in Orlando, our women’s counselor is here to help.
